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Pitchers Gear – 3 Contraptions that Make a Pitcher’s Life Easier

So as always, we want to share what sorts of gear would make a baseball player’s life easier – what the pros who log hundreds of hours on the field are actually using. Here’s what my teammates and other pro pitchers I know have recommended. I’ll keep adding to this list, so feel free to subscribe for updates.

1. Tuff Toe – Making your cleats last longer

Tuff Toe Pro

Cleats are expensive. And pitchers who drag their toes on the ground can eat through an expensive pair of cleats in a hurry.

Professional players often use Tuff Toe to help cleats last much longer. In fact, Tuff Toe claims their product is used by 100% of Major League Baseball teams and most collegiate baseball pitchers and softball pitchers.

What is it? Tuff Toe is a polyurethane adhesive that is abrasion, chemical, and water resistant. The Tuff Toe Pro is designed specifically for baseball cleats (as opposed to the one for work boots).

1.) Custom self-applied. The Tuff Toe Pro comes in a cartridge in liquid form and you apply it to your shoe (see the video below for a better idea of what’s involved). Use this option if you want to customize the area coverage.

Tuff Toe Molded Toe

2.) Molded self-applied. Another option is the pre-formed Tuff Toe Molded Toe, which is already shaped and comes with a permanent glue.

3.) Factory. Finally, you can order a pair of cleats from TuffToeSports.com and they’ll come with the Tuff Toe applied already. If you go that route, you’ll be limited to the selection of cleats they sell through their website. If you order options 1 or 2, you can apply it to any cleat in any color.

Colors. If comes in different colors, so it’s best if you know what color your cleats are so you can match it.

Applying Tuff Toe Pro

Here’s a little tip – the white will yellow a bit after being in the sun a lot, so maybe pick a different color if that will bother you.

Used cleats. Do you have a favorite pair of cleats you’re trying to make last longer? You can apply Tuff Toe to used cleats, as long as there are no holes going all the way through the leather.

Cost, and Where to buy. Here are few places you can buy Tuff Toe pitchers gear

2. A Pitchback Net – Pitching practice net with strike zone, deadens the throw and bounces it back to the pitcher

It designates the strike zone, providing a visual target and accuracy feedback to the pitcher with each throw.

This is what Anthony Slama, former Minnesota Twins pitcher, says about this pitchers gear:

The Quickster return net is one of the most effective and easiest pitchers training devices that I have found. It’s quick, easy setup mixed with an engaging strike zone and hitter graphic make it a no brainer for any pitchers backyard.

It has a repeatable bounce back, and deadens a thrown ball very well. Set it up and fire baseballs into it, training your delivery with a legitimate strike zone to throw to.

The ball is returned to you by the screen. No throwing partner? No problem, make an investment in the Quickster pitch return and always have something to throw to. – Anthony Slama, former Minnesota Twins pitcher

Note: The net is 7′ by 7′ and can be used as a backstop for hitting as well.

3. Icing/heating your shoulder and elbow

Shock Doctor Ice/Heat Shoulder Wrap

Whether it’s contrast therapy for soreness or icing an injury, a pitcher sometimes needs to ice his arm. You can always wrap your arm like a mummy, or you can opt to have a shoulder and elbow specific icing wrap like these:

1. ) Shock Doctor. In our experience, Shock Doctor makes a top quality product. This wrap has a reusable gel insert that can be heated or frozen.

We have some great pitching tips coming out in the next couple months, all donated by pro or former-pro baseball players. Also coming this off season, and in-depth review of pitchers practice nets. Be sure to subscribe to our pitcher’s list if you would like to be notified of new posts.

About Author

Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 5 organizations (CO Rockies, NY Yankees, Pirates, MN Twins, & TX Rangers) over the past 16 years. He has Major League time at every infield position, and has played every position on the field professionally except for catcher. Where is he now? After batting .200 in 45 at-bats and fielding .950 during 2017 spring training with the Rangers, Doug was assigned to the Ranger's AAA team the Round Rock Express. You should click to watch this great defensive play by Bernier

Phil, I think that is a great idea. I have seen many pitchers re invent themselves by dropping their arm slot. Remember that pitching is about disrupting a hitters timing and throwing strikes. Velocity is helpful but not the determining factor. I don’t have any tips other than practice throwing strikes. I’ll talk to a pitcher I am currently working out with who plays with the giants organization who is a sidearmer. I’ll ask him about any tips for throwing this way. Thanks for writing in and good luck.

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